Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 165

DUST BOOT INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Wipe the grease off the ball joint stud.  

2. Fill the inside of the new dust boot with grease.  

3. Using the SST , install the dust boot to the ball joint.  

4. Wipe off the excess grease. 

Fig. 18: Installing Dust Boot To Ball Joint Using SST 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

TOE CONTROL LINK BALL JOINT INSTALLATION NOTE 

1. Install the toe control link ball joint so that the ball joint stud projection is within -2-4 mm {-0.08-0.15 

in}. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 19: View Of Toe Control Link Ball Joint 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

TOE CONTROL LINK INSPECTION 

1. Remove the toe control link from the vehicle. (See TOE CONTROL LINK 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Inspect the lateral link for bending or damage. If there is any malfunction, replace the lateral link.  

3. Inspect the ball joint for looseness. If there is any malfunction, replace the ball joint.  

4. Rotate the ball joint 5 times.  

5. Install the SST to the ball stud, and measure the ball joint rotational torque using a pull scale. 

Toe control link ball joint rotational torque 0.3-2.2 N.m {4-22 kgf.cm, 3-19 in.lbf}  

Pull scale reading: 3-22 N {0.3-2.2 kgf, 0.7-4.9 lbf}  



If not within the specification, replace the toe control link. (See TOE CONTROL LINK 
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .) 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 20: Measuring Ball Joint Rotational Torque Using Pull Scale 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR TRAILING LINK (UPPER) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 21 .  

2. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

3. Inspect the rear wheel alignment. (See REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT .) 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 21: Identifying Rear Trailing Link (Upper) (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

REAR TRAILING LINK (UPPER) BALL JOINT REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Using the SST, disconnect the ball joint. 

NOTE:



When removing the rear trailing link (upper) ball joint, the rear 
knuckle bushing may also come off. If it comes off, replace the rear 
knuckle.  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 SUSPENSION Rear Suspension - MX-5 Miata